Display device

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a display device includes a first subpixel and a second subpixel. An area, in a plan view, surrounded by a first signal line, a second signal line, a first scanning line, and a second scanning line and including a first pixel electrode is a first area. An area, in a plan view, surrounded by the first signal line, the second signal line, the second scanning line, and a third scanning line and including a second pixel electrode is a second area. The first area has a first distance in the first direction and the second area has a second distance in the first direction. The first distance is greater than the second distance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2016-142515, filed Jul. 20, 2016, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a display device.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, display devices used for smartphones, tablets, and thelike are required to have greater resolution performance and greateraperture ratio. For example, a third color (R) subpixel, a fourth color(G) subpixel, and a second color (W) subpixel are arranged in anoptional row in this order, and a third color subpixel, a fourth colorsubpixel, and a first color (B) subpixel are arranged in a next row inthis order. A plurality of third color subpixels are arranged in thesame column and a plurality of fourth color subpixels are arranged inthe same column. The first subpixel and the second subpixel are arrangedin the same column. For example, each width of the third color subpixeland the fourth color subpixel can be set greater than each width of thefirst color subpixel and the second color subpixel.

However, when the width of the first color subpixel becomes greater, thewidth of the second color subpixel becomes greater accordingly. Thus,arranging subpixels having different widths along signal lines isdifficult to achieve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the structure of a liquid crystaldisplay device of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display panel ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the arrangement of pixel groups in a displayarea of the liquid crystal display panel.

FIG. 4 shows a part of the pixel groups and an example of thearrangement of pixels in the pixel groups.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the structure of an array substrate shownin FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of one pixel group in the liquid crystaldisplay panel and a plan view showing signal lines, pixel electrodes,and a light shielding layer.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of a part of two pixels shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel,taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing scanning lines and signal lines of aliquid crystal display panel of a variation of the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, there is provided a displaydevice, comprising: a first signal line; a second signal lines arrangedin a first direction to be apart from the first signal line; a firstscanning line; a second scanning line and a third scanning line arrangedin a second direction which crosses the first direction to be apart fromthe first scanning line; and a first subpixel including a first pixelelectrode and a second subpixel including a second pixel electrode,wherein an area, in a plan view, surrounded by the first signal line,the second signal line, the first scanning line, and the second scanninglines and including the first pixel electrodes is a first area, an area,in a plan view, surrounded by the first signal line, the second signalline, the second scanning line, and the third scanning lines andincluding the second pixel electrode is a second area, the first areahas a first distance in the first direction and the second area has asecond distance in the first direction, and the first distance isgreater than the second distance.

Embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings. Incidentally, the disclosure is merely anexample, and proper changes within the spirit of the invention, whichare easily conceivable by a skilled person, are included in the scope ofthe invention as a matter of course. In addition, in some cases, inorder to make the description clearer, the widths, thicknesses, shapes,etc., of the respective parts are schematically illustrated in thedrawings, compared to the actual modes. However, the schematicillustration is merely an example, and adds no restrictions to theinterpretation of the invention. Besides, in the specification anddrawings, the structural elements having functions, which are identicalor similar to the functions of the structural elements described inconnection with preceding drawings, are denoted by like referencenumerals, and an overlapping detailed description is omitted unlessnecessary.

The liquid crystal display devices of the present embodiment can be usedin various devices such as smartphones, tablets, mobile phones, personalcomputers, television receivers, in-car devices, and gaming devices.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the structure of a liquid crystaldisplay device DSP. In the present embodiment, a first direction d1 anda second direction d2 are orthogonal to each other. A fifth direction d5is orthogonal to each of the first direction d1 and the second directiond2. The directions mentioned here are directions of arrows in thefigure, and the directions reversed 180 degrees with respect to thearrows are opposite directions. Note that the first direction d1 and thesecond direction d2 may cross at an angle other than 90 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display device DSP includes, forexample, an active matrix liquid crystal display panel PNL, backlightunit BL used for illuminating the liquid crystal display panel PNL,flexible printed circuits FPC1 and FPC2, and driver IC chip IC. Theflexible printed circuits FPC1 and FPC2 are connected to the liquidcrystal display device or a control module CM disposed outside theliquid crystal display device.

In the following description, the direction from the backlight unit BLto the liquid crystal display panel PNL will be defined as above (orup). The direction from the liquid crystal display panel PNL to thebacklight unit BL will be defined as below (or down). Furthermore,phrases such as “a second member above a first member” and “a secondmember below a first member” may refer to either a case where the secondmember contacts the first member or a case where the second member isapart from the first member. In the latter case, a third member may beinterposed between the first and second members.

The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes an array substrate AR anda counter substrate CT opposed to the array substrate AR. The liquidcrystal display panel PNL includes a display area DA for image displayand a frame-like non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA.The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes a plurality of main pixelsarranged in a matrix in the first direction d1 and the second directiond2 in the display area DA. Hereinafter, a main pixel is referred to as apixel MP. A pixel MP is equivalent to a group including three subpixelsof four types of subpixels which will be described later.

The backlight unit BL is disposed in the rear surface of the arraysubstrate AR. The backlight unit BL of various models can be adopted andits detailed structure will be omitted. The flexible printed circuitFPC1 connects the liquid crystal display panel PNL and the controlmodule CM. The flexible printed circuit FPC2 connects the backlight unitBL and the control module CM. The driver IC chip IC is mounted on theflexible printed circuit FPC1.

The liquid crystal display device DSP structured as above corresponds toa transmissive liquid crystal display device which displays an image byselectively passing the light from the backlight unit BL incident on theliquid crystal display panel PNL in each subpixel. Note that the liquidcrystal display device DSP may be a reflective liquid crystal displaydevice which displays an image by selectively reflecting the externallight incident on the liquid crystal display panel PNL, or atransreflective liquid crystal display device having both thetransmissive function and the reflective function.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display panelPNL.

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal display panel PNL includes thearray substrate AR, counter substrate CT, liquid crystal layer LC,sealing member SE, first optical element OD1, and second optical elementOD2. The array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT will bedescribed later.

The sealing member SE is disposed in the non-display area NDA to bondthe array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT. The liquid crystallayer LC is held between the array substrate AR and the countersubstrate CT. The first optical element OD1 is disposed on the surfaceof the array substrate AR opposite to its surface contacting the liquidcrystal layer LC. The second optical element OD2 is disposed on thesurface of the counter substrate CT opposite to its surface contactingthe liquid crystal layer LC. The first optical element OD1 and thesecond optical element OD2 each include a polarizer. Note that the firstoptical element OD1 and the second optical element OD2 may include otheroptical elements such as a retardation plate.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the arrangement of main pixel groups in thedisplay area DA of the liquid crystal display panel PNL. Hereinafter,the main pixel group will be referred to as pixel group MPG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal display panel PNL includes aplurality of pixel groups MPG.

The pixel groups MPG are arranged in a matrix in the first direction d1and the second direction d2 in the display area DA. The pixel groups MPGeach include four main pixels. Here, the pixel group MPG includes twotypes of pixels of first main pixels and second main pixels. In thepresent embodiment, the first main pixels are a first main pixel A1 anda first main pixel A2. The second main pixels are a second main pixel B1and a second main pixel B2. In any pixel group MPG, the first main pixelA1, first main pixel A2, second main pixel B1, and second main pixel B2are arranged in the same manner. The first main pixels A1 and A2, andthe second main pixels B1 and B2 are arranged in a checkerboard patternin the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. Note that thestructure of the first main pixels A1 and A2 and the second main pixelsB1 and B2 will be described later.

In pixels, first main pixels A1 and second main pixels B2 are arrangedalternately in one side and second main pixels B1 and first main pixelsA2 are arranged alternately in the other side in the first direction d1.First main pixels A1 and second main pixels B1 are arranged alternatelyin one side and second main pixels B2 and first main pixels A2 arearranged alternately in the other side in the second direction d2. Thefirst main pixels A1 and A2 and the second main pixels B1 and B2 arearranged such that the pixels of the same type do not continue in eitherthe first direction d1 or the second direction d2.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the arrangement of the pixel groups MPG. InFIG. 4, four pixels MP of a pixel group MPG and pixels MP surroundingthe four pixels MP are shown.

As shown in FIG. 4, a pixel group MPG includes a first pixel MP1, secondpixel MP2, third pixel MP3, and fourth pixel MP4. The first pixel MP1corresponds to the first main pixel A1, the second pixel MP2 correspondsto the second main pixel B1, the third pixel MP3 corresponds to thefirst main pixel A2, and the fourth pixel MP4 corresponds to the secondmain pixel B2.

The first pixel MP1 and the third pixel MP3 each include three subpixelsSP of a first color subpixel SP1, third color subpixel SP3, and fourthcolor subpixel SP4. The second pixel MP2 and fourth pixel MP4 eachinclude three subpixels SP of a second color subpixel SP2, third colorsubpixel SP3, and fourth color subpixel SP4. Note that the first,second, third, and fourth colors are different from each other.

The first color subpixel SP1 includes a region R1 of first color and acolor filter CF1 of first color. The second color subpixel SP2 includesa region R2 of second color and a color filter CF2 of second color. Thethird color subpixel SP3 include a region R3 of third color and a colorfilter CF3 of third color. The fourth color subpixel SP4 includes aregion R4 of fourth color and a color filter CF4 of fourth color. Notethat the regions R1 to R4 are depicted with two-dotted chain lines inthe figure. Each of the regions R1 to R4 can be interpreted as anopening area of the subpixels SP. Or, each of the regions R1 to R4 canbe interpreted as a region which is not opposed to a signal line S or alight shielding layer SH which will be described later. Furthermore, theregion R1 may be referred to as a first region, the region R2 may bereferred to as a second region, the region R3 may be referred to as athird region, and the region R4 may be referred to as a fourth region.

In the first direction d1, the regions R3, R4, R1, R3, R4, and R2 arearranged alternately. In the first pixels MP1 and the second pixels MP2arranged in the second direction d2, the regions R3 are arranged in thesecond direction d2, and the regions R4 are arranged in the seconddirection d2, and the regions R1 and the regions R2 are arranged in thesecond direction d2. In the third pixels MP3 and the fourth pixels MP4arranged in the second direction d2, the regions R3 are arranged in thesecond direction d2, the regions R4 are arranged in the second directiond2, and the regions R1 and the regions R2 are arranged in the seconddirection d2.

The regions R1 to R4 are each shaped as a substantial parallelogram. Thecolor filters CF1 to CF4 are arranged to correspond to the layout of thesubpixels SP and have an area corresponding to size of their subpixelsSP. The color filters CF1 and CF2 are arranged alternately in the seconddirection d2. The color filter CF1 is opposed to the region R1, and thecolor filter CF2 is opposed to the region R2. The color filter CF3 isopposed to the regions R3 arranged in the second direction d2 and extendalong the regions R3. The color filter CF4 is opposed to the regions R4arranged in the second direction d2 and extend along the regions R4.

In the present embodiment, the first color is blue (B), the second coloris white (W), the third color is red (R), and the fourth color (G). Forexample, the color filter CF2 is a transparent or pale color filter. Thecolor filter CF2 is substantially transparent and may preferably bereferred to a non-color filter. However, the first to fourth colors aremerely examples and may be varied. As long as the first to fourth colorsinclude blue, white, green, and red, the color application is optional.Furthermore, the first to fourth colors are not limited to thecombination of blue, white, green, and red. Furthermore, the secondcolor and the color filter CF2 may be, instead of white, any colordifferent from blue, green, and red.

In the present application, for example, light of wavelength between 380and 780 nm is defined as visible light. The first color is blue anddefined as light of wavelength which is 380 or more and less than 490nm. The second color is white. The third color is red and defined aslight of wavelength which is 590 or more and less than 780 nm. Thefourth color is green and defined as light of wavelength which is 490 ormore and less than 590 nm. The phrase “substantially transparent” mayrefer to a case of non-color and a case of pale color of any visiblelight.

In the second direction d2, the region R3 and the region R4 of eachpixel MP have substantially the same length. In the second direction d2,the region R1 of the first pixel MP1 and the region R1 of the thirdpixel MP3 have substantially the same length. In the second directiond2, the region R1 of the second pixel MP2 and the region R1 of thefourth pixel MP4 have substantially the same length.

The regions R1 of the first pixel MP1 and the third pixel MP3 havesubstantially the same width in the first direction d1, which is a firstwidth. The regions R2 of the second pixel MP2 and the fourth pixel MP4have substantially the same width in the first direction d1, which is asecond width. The regions R3 of each pixel MP have substantially thesame width in the first direction d1, which is a third width. Theregions R4 of each pixel MP have substantially the same width in thefirst direction d1, which is a fourth width.

The first width is greater than the second width. As mentioned above, aslong as the first width is greater than the second width, the sizerelationship between the first to fourth widths is not limitedspecifically. In the present embodiment, the third width is greater thanthe fourth width, and the second width is greater than the third width.

The regions R1 of the first pixel MP1 and the third pixel MP3 havesubstantially the same area, which is a first area. The regions R2 ofthe second pixel MP2 and the fourth pixel MP4 have substantially thesame area, which is a second area. The regions R3 of each pixel MP havesubstantially the same area, which is a third area. The regions R4 ofeach pixel MP have substantially the same area, which is a fourth area.

The size relationship between the first to fourth areas is not limitedspecifically. In the present embodiment, the third area is greater thanthe fourth area, and the second area is greater than the third area, andthe first area is greater than the second area.

With the pixels MP structured as above, as compared to a case where theentire pixels MP are four subpixels of red (R), green (G), blue (B), andwhite (W), the number of subpixels SP of the pixel groups MPG can bereduced. Thereby, the aperture ratio of the subpixels SP can beincreased without decreasing the resolution performance. Furthermore,since each pixel group MPG includes a white (W) subpixel SP, thebrightness level of the displayed image can be increased.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the regions R1 to R4, sincethe ratio of the region R1 of first color (blue) is increased, the lighttransmissivity of the region R1 can be increased and it helps lowerpower consumption. Since the first width of the regions R1 is increased,the second width of the regions R2 of second color (white) is preventedfrom increasing together. The third width of the regions R3 and thefourth width of the regions R4 do not decrease together, the ratio ofthe area of the regions R3 and the ratio of the area of the regions R4are prevented from decreasing.

The regions R and color filters CF extend in at least one direction ofthe third direction d3 and the fourth direction d4. Here, the thirddirection d3 is a direction inclined in a first rotation direction at anacute angle with respect to the second direction d2. The fourthdirection d4 is a direction inclined in a second rotation directionwhich is opposite to the first rotation direction at an acute angle withrespect to the second direction d2. In the present embodiment, the firstrotation direction goes right and the second rotation direction goesleft. However, unlike the present embodiment, the first rotationdirection may go left and the second rotation direction may go right.

As can be understood from the above, the present embodiment cancompensate view angle characteristics as compared to a case where theregions R have a rectangular shape extending in the second direction d2.Thus, the present embodiment can achieve wider view angle of the liquidcrystal display panel PNL.

In the pixel group MPG, a lack of first color (blue) in the second pixelMP2 and the fourth pixel MP4 can be covered by at least one of the firstpixel MP1 and the third pixel MP3. Therefore, each of the pixels MP cansimulatively display a color image.

In a plan view, the arrangement direction of liquid crystal molecules inthe electrical field of the region R1 of the first pixel MP1 and thearrangement direction of liquid crystal molecules in the electricalfield of the region R1 of the third pixel MP3 may have a reverserelationship with respect to the second direction d2. Thus, view angledependency of chromaticity in the first direction d1 (horizontaldirection) can be decreased. Therefore, the image with the samechromaticness can be achieved for a user viewing the screen from theleft side and a user viewing the screen from the right side.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the structure of the array substrate AR.

As shown in FIG. 5, the array substrate AR includes, for example, ascanning lines G, signal lines S, pixel electrodes PE, switchingelements SW, first driver circuit DR1, and second driver circuit DR2.

A plurality of scanning lines G extend in the first direction d1 and arearranged at intervals in the second direction d2 in the display area DA.For example, a second scanning line G2 and a third scanning line G3 arearranged at intervals from a first scanning line G1 in the seconddirection d2. In the present embodiment, scanning lines G extendlinearly in the first direction d1. A plurality of signal lines S extendin the second direction d2, cross the scanning lines G, and are arrangedat intervals in the first direction d1 in the display area DA. Note thatthe signal lines S do not necessarily extend linearly, and may partlybent or may be extended in directions which cross in the first directiond1 and the second direction d2. In the present embodiment, the signallines S bend and extend in the second direction d2, third direction d3,and fourth direction d4.

The first driver circuit DR1 and the second driver circuit DR2 aredisposed in the non-display area NDA. The first driver circuit DR1 iselectrically connected to the scanning lines G drawn to the non-displayarea NDA. The second driver circuit DR2 is electrically connected to thesignal lines S drawn to the non-display area NDA. The first drivercircuit DR1 outputs control signals to each scanning line G. The seconddriver circuit DR2 outputs image signals (for example, video signals) toeach signal line S.

The first color subpixel SP1 includes a first switching element SW1connected to a scanning line G and a first pixel electrode PE1 connectedto a signal line S via the first switching element SW1. The secondsubpixel SP2 includes a second switching element SW2 connected to ascanning line G and a second pixel electrode PE2 connected to a signalline S via the second switching element SW2. The third color subpixelSP3 includes a third switching element SW3 connected to a scanning lineG and a third pixel electrode PE3 connected to a signal line S via thethird switching element SW3. The fourth color subpixel SP4 includes afourth switching element SW4 connected to a scanning line G and a fourthpixel electrode PE4 connected to a signal line S via the fourthswitching element SW4.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of switching elements SW of aplurality of subpixels SP arranged in the first direction d1 areconnected to the same scanning line G.

In a plan view, the region R1 is surrounded by a first signal line S1,second signal line S2, first scanning line G1, and second scanning lineG2, and the first pixel electrode PE1 is formed therein. The region R2is surrounded by the first signal line S1, second signal line S2, secondscanning line G2, and third scanning line G3, and the second pixelelectrode PE2 is formed therein.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of one pixel group MPG and the like in theliquid crystal display panel PNL and is a plan view showing signal linesS, pixel electrodes PE, and a light shielding layer SH.

Note that, in the example depicted, the pixel MP has the structurecorresponding to a fringe field switching (FFS) mode as its display modeand a common electrode is omitted from the depiction. While the signallines S and the pixel electrode PE are formed in the array substrate,the light shielding layer SH is formed on the counter substrate. Notethat the light shielding layer SH is depicted with two-dotted chainlines in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 6, the light shielding layer SH is shaped along theboundary of subpixel SP. The light shielding layer SH functions to blockthe light emitted from the backlight unit BL. The light shielding layerSH is formed of a material of highly optical absorption such as a blackresin. Or, the light shielding layer SH is formed of a material ofhighly optical reflection such as a metal. The areas surrounded by thelight shielding layer SH are the regions R1 to R4 which are used forimage display. The light shielding layer SH includes a plurality ofband-like first extensions SH1 and a plurality of band-like secondextensions SH2. In the present embodiment, the first extensions SH1 andthe second extensions SH2 are formed integrally.

The first extensions SH1 are opposed to signal lines S and extend alongthe signal lines S. As to the position of the first direction d1, thecenter line of the first extension SH1 and the center of the signal lineS may match each other or may be shifted from each other.

For example, in the present embodiment, in the first extensions SH1, thepart between the first pixel electrode PE1 and the third pixel electrodePE3 is shifted to be closer to the first pixel electrode PE1. In thefirst direction d1, the center of the part is disposed between the firstpixel electrode PE1 and the center of the signal line S (S1 or S3).

Furthermore, in the first extensions SH1, the part between the secondpixel electrode PE2 and the third pixel electrode PE3 is shifted to becloser to the second pixel electrode PE2. In the first direction d1, thecenter of the part is disposed between the second pixel electrode PE2and the center of the signal line S (S1 and S3).

Furthermore, in the first extensions SH1, the part between the secondpixel electrode PE2 and the fourth pixel electrode PE4 is shifted to becloser to the second pixel electrode PE2. In the first direction d1, thecenter of the part is disposed between the second pixel electrode PE2and the center of the signal line S (S2 or S4).

As to the position of the first direction d1, the center of the pixelelectrode PE may match the center of a pair of the signal lines Sadjacent thereto. Or, by shifting the position of the pixel electrodePE, the center of the pixel electrode PE may match the middle of a pairof the first extensions SH1 adjacent thereto.

For example, in the present embodiment, the center of the first pixelelectrode PE1 matches the middle of a pair of the first extensions SH1adjacent thereto. The center of the second pixel electrode PE2 matchesthe middle of a pair of the first extensions SH1 adjacent thereto. Thecenter of the third pixel electrode PE3 matches the center of a pair ofsignal lines S adjacent thereto. The center of the fourth pixelelectrode PE4 matches the center of a pair of signal lines S adjacentthereto.

The second light shielding layers SH2 are opposed to the scanning linesG and extend along the scanning lines G. The second light shieldinglayers SH2 are opposed to the scanning lines G, ends of pixel electrodesPE, and switching elements SW. The both side edges of the second lightshielding layer SH2 extend in the first direction d1 in a zigzag manner.The width of the second light shielding layer SH2 may not be constant.For example, the width of the second light shielding layer SH2 mayexpand in the area opposed to the color filters CF3 and CF4 between thefirst pixel MP1 and the second pixel MP2 and may be relatively narrowedin the area opposed to the color filters CF3 and CF4 between the thirdpixel MP3 and the fourth pixel MP4.

The first color subpixel SP1 includes one or more first linearelectrodes LE1, the second color subpixel SP2 includes one or moresecond linear electrodes LE2, the third color subpixel SP3 includes oneor more third linear electrodes LE3, and the fourth color subpixel SP4includes one or more fourth linear electrodes LE4. As will be describedlater, in the present embodiment, the common electrode is disposed belowthe pixel electrodes PE. Thus, the pixel electrodes PE have the linearelectrodes LE. In a case where the pixel electrodes PE are disposedbelow the common electrode, the common electrode has the linearelectrodes, and the pixel electrodes PE are formed in a flat-plateshape.

In the present embodiment, the first pixel electrode PE1 includes aplurality of first linear electrodes LE1, the second pixel electrode PE2includes a plurality of second linear electrodes LE2, the third pixelelectrode PE3 includes a plurality of third linear electrodes LE3, andthe fourth pixel electrode PE4 includes a plurality of fourth linearelectrodes LE4. In the present embodiment, the number of the linearelectrodes LE in the first pixel electrodes PE1, second pixel electrodesPE2, third pixel electrodes PE3, and fourth pixel electrodes PE4 is thesame. Note that, unlike the present embodiment, the number of the linearelectrodes LE may differ in pixel electrodes PE. For example, the numberof the linear electrodes LE in the first pixel electrode PE1 and thesecond pixel electrode PE2 may be greater than the number of the linearelectrodes LE in the third pixel electrode PE3 and the fourth pixelelectrode PE4.

The linear electrodes LE of the first pixel MP1 and the fourth pixel MP4extend in the third direction d3. The linear electrodes LE of the secondpixel MP2 and the third pixel MP3 extend in the fourth direction d4.Here, in the signal lines S in the figure, signal lines S in the rightside of the first pixel electrode PE1 of the first pixel MP1 and thesecond pixel electrode PE2 of the second pixel MP2 are referred to asfirst signal lines S1, and signal lines S in the left side thereof arereferred to as second signal lines S2. Furthermore, signal lines S inthe right side of the first pixel electrode PE1 of the third pixel MP3and the second pixel electrode PE2 of the fourth pixel MP4 are referredto as third signal lines S3 and signal lines S in the left side thereofare referred to as fourth signal lines S4.

In the second direction d2, the first signal line S1 and the secondsignal line S2 define a first distance D1 a in the first direction d1passing the center of the first pixel electrode PE1 of the first pixelMP1, and in the second direction d2, the first signal line S1 and thesecond signal line G2 define a second distance D2 a in the firstdirection d1 passing the center of the second pixel electrode PE2 of thesecond pixel MP2, wherein the first distance D1 a is greater than thesecond distance D2 a.

Note that the first distance D1 a corresponds to a distance in the firstdirection d1 in the first area surrounded by the first signal line S1,second signal line S2, first scanning line G1, and second scanning lineG2, and specifically, corresponds to a gap in the center of the firstarea in the second direction d2. The second distance D2 a corresponds toa distance in the first direction d1 in the second area surrounded bythe first signal line S1, second signal line S2, second scanning lineG2, and third scanning line G3, and specifically, corresponds to adistance in the center of the second area in the second direction d2.

In the second direction d2, a distance in the first direction d1 betweenthe third signal line S3 and the fourth signal line S4 passing thecenter of the first pixel electrode PE1 of the third pixel MP3 is thefirst distance D1 a. In the second direction d2, a distance in the firstdirection d1 between the third signal lines S3 and the fourth signallines S4 passing the center of the second pixel electrode PE2 of thefourth pixel MP4 is the second distance D2 a.

The first signal line S1 includes a first extension S1 a extending inparallel to the first linear electrode LE1 of the first pixel MP1,second extension S1 b extending in parallel to the second linearelectrode LE2 of the second pixel MP2, and first connection S1 cconnecting the first extension S1 a and the second extension S1 b. Inthe figure, the first extension S1 a and second extension S1 b, and athird extension S2 a, fourth extension S2 b, fifth extension S3 a, sixthextension S3 b, seventh extension S4 a, and eighth extension S4 b whichwill be described later are hatched.

The second signal line S2 includes a third extension S2 a extending inparallel to the first linear electrode LE1 of the first pixel MP1,fourth extension S2 b extending in parallel to the second linearelectrode LE2 of the second pixel MP2, and second connection S2 cconnecting the third extension S2 a and the fourth extension S2 b. Thefirst distance D1 a is a distance in the first direction d1 between thefirst extension S1 a and the third extension S2 a. The second distanceD2 a is a distance in the first direction d1 between the secondextension S1 b and the fourth extension S2 b.

The third signal line S3 includes a fifth extension S3 a extending inparallel to the first linear electrode LE1 of the third pixel MP3, sixthextension S3 b extending in parallel to the second linear electrode LE2of the fourth pixel MP4, and third connection S3 c connecting the firstextension S3 a and the second extension S3 b. The fourth signal line S4includes a seventh extension S4 a extending in parallel to the firstlinear electrode LE1 of the third pixel MP3, eighth extension S4 bextending in parallel to the second linear electrode LE2 of the fourthpixel MP4, and fourth connection S4 c connecting the seventh extensionS4 a and the eighth extension S4 b. A distance in the first direction d1between the fifth extension S3 a and seventh extension S4 a is the firstdistance D1 a. A distance in the first direction d1 between the sixthextension S3 b and the eighth extension S4 b is the second distance D2a. Note that, as described above, the first distance D1 a is greaterthan the second distance D2 a (D1 a>D2 a).

The first linear electrode LE1 of the first pixel MP1, the second linearelectrode LE2 of the fourth pixel MP4, first extension S1 a, thirdextension S2 a, sixth extension S3 b, and eighth extension S4 b extendin the third direction d3. The second linear electrode LE2 of the secondpixel MP2, the first linear electrode LE1 of the third pixel MP3, secondextension S1 b, fourth extension S2 b, fifth extension S3 a, and seventhextension S4 a extend in the fourth direction d4.

The first signal line S1 bends at the boundary of the first extension S1a and the first connection S1 c, the second signal line S2 bends at theboundary of the third extension S2 a and the second connection S2 c, thethird signal line S3 bends at the boundary of the sixth extension S3 band the third connection S3 c, and the fourth signal line S4 bends atthe boundary of the eighth extension S4 b and the fourth connection S4c. In the first direction d1, the positions of the boundaries of theextensions and the connections are matched.

The end of the first connection S1 c in the first extension S1 a side,the end of the second connection S2 c in the third extension S2 a side,and the end of the third connection S3 c in the sixth extension S3 bside extend in a direction inclined with respect to the second directiond2 in the second rotation direction at an acute angle (to the fourthdirection d4 side). Note that the end of the fourth connection S4 c inthe eighth extension S4 b side extends in the second direction d2. Sincethe length of each of the first extension S1 a, third extension S2 a,and sixth extension S3 b can be increased, the areas of the regions R1to R4 can be increased.

Groups each including six subpixels SP contained in the first pixel MP1and the fourth pixel MP4 adjacent to each other in the first directiond1 are arranged at even intervals in the first direction d1. Groups eachincluding six subpixels SP contained in the second pixel MP2 and thethird pixel MP3 are arranged at even intervals in the first directiond1.

A pitch Pa in the first direction d1 of a pair of signal lines Ssandwiching six pixel electrodes PE of each pixel group MPG arranged inthe first direction d1 is constant. Here, a pitch Pa which is constantdoes not only mean that the pitch Pa is completely the same but it alsomay contain a small difference such that the pitch may differ between0.9 to 1.1 times.

Furthermore, for example, in the first pixel MP1 and the second pixelMP2, each subpixel SP is, in a plan view, between a pair of signal linesS and a distance between a pair of signal lines S in each subpixel SP isconstant. Here, a distance which is constant does not only mean that thegap is completely the same but it also may contain a small differencesuch that the distance may differ between 0.9 to 1.1 times.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a part of two pixels MP of FIG. 6 in anenlarged manner. In FIG. 7, the first pixel MP1 and the second pixel MP2are shown. Note that the depiction of a pixel electrode is omitted. Inthe figure, in the scanning lines G, the upper scanning line G isreferred to as first scanning line G1, and the lower scanning line G isreferred to as second scanning line G2. The first scanning line G1 andthe second scanning line G2 extend in the first direction d1 and aredisposed to be apart from each other.

As shown in FIG. 7, each subpixel SP includes a conductive layer CL. Ina plan view, the entire conductive layers CL are covered with the lightshielding layer SH. The first subpixel SP1 includes a conductive layerCL1, second subpixel SP2 includes a conductive layer CL2, third subpixelSP3 includes a conductive layer CL3, and fourth subpixel SP4 includes aconductive layer CL4. In the conductive layers CL of the first pixelMP1, the conductive layer CL1 is disposed above a first main part of thefirst scanning line G1 extending in the first direction d1, and theconductive layers CL3 and CL4 are disposed below the first main part ofthe first scanning line G1. Thus, a position where the first pixelelectrode PE1 contacts the conductive layer CL1 in the first pixel MP1is above the first main part of the first scanning line G1, and aposition where the third pixel electrode PE3 contacts the conductivelayer CL3 and a position where the fourth pixel electrode PE4 contactsthe conductive layer CL4 are below the first main part of the firstscanning line G1.

On the other hand, the conductive layers CL2, CL3, and CL4 of the secondpixel MP2 are disposed below a second main part of the second scanningline G2 extending in the first direction d1. Thus, a position where thesecond pixel electrode PE2 contacts the conductive layer CL2 in thesecond pixel MP2, a position where the third pixel electrode PE3contacts the conductive layer CL3, and a position where the fourth pixelelectrode PE4 contacts the conductive layer CL4 are below the secondmain part of the second scanning line G2.

Each switching element SW includes a semiconductor layer SC. Thesemiconductor layer SC crosses a scanning line G at two points. Thus,the switching element SW is each formed as a double gate thin filmtransistor. Note that, unlike the present embodiment, the semiconductorlayer SC may cross a scanning line G at one point or at three points.

The first switching element SW1 is a first thin film transistor whichincludes a first semiconductor layer SC1 and a first gate electrode GE1.The first semiconductor layer SC1 includes a first electrode region RE1connected to a first signal line S1, second electrode region RE2connected to a conductive layer CL1 (first pixel electrode PE1), andthird electrode region RE3 disposed between the first electrode regionRE1 and the second electrode region RE2 to overlap the first scanningline G1. In a plan view where the first scanning line G1 is disposedabove and the second scanning line G2 is disposed below, the firstsemiconductor layer SC1 (third electrode region RE3) is formed such thata letter L is rotated 180 degrees.

The first gate electrode GE1 is a part of the first scanning line G1 andis opposed to the third electrode region RE3. In the present embodiment,the first main part of the first scanning line G1 is used for one sideof the first gate electrode GE1 and the first branch branching from thefirst main part is used for the other side thereof. The firstsemiconductor layer SC1 overlaps the first main part and the firstbranch.

The second switching element SW2 is a second thin film transistor whichincludes a second semiconductor layer SC2 and a second gate electrodeGE2. The second semiconductor layer SC2 includes a fourth electroderegion RE4 connected to a first signal line S1, fifth electrode regionRE5 connected to a conductive layer CL2 (second pixel electrode PE2),and sixth electrode region RE6 disposed between the fourth electroderegion RE4 and the fifth electrode region RE5 to overlap the secondscanning line G2. In a plan view where the first scanning line G1 isabove and the second scanning line G2 is below, the second semiconductorlayer SC2 (sixth electrode region RE6) is formed such that a letter L isreversed horizontally.

The second gate electrode GE2 is a part of the second scanning line G2and is opposed to the sixth electrode region RE6. In the presentembodiment, the second main part of the second scanning line G2 is usedfor one side of the second gate electrode GE2 and the second branchbranching from the second main part is used for the other side thereof.The second branch extends in the opposite direction of the extensiondirection of the first branch. The second semiconductor layer SC2overlaps the second main part and the second branch.

The third switching element SW3 is a third thin film transistor whichincludes a third semiconductor layer SC3 and a third gate electrode GE3.The third semiconductor layer SC3 includes a seventh electrode regionRE7 connected to a signal line S, eighth electrode region RE8 connectedto a conductive layer CL3 (third pixel electrode PE3), and ninthelectrode region RE9 disposed between the seventh electrode region RE7and the eighth electrode region RE8 to overlap the scanning line G. Forexample, the third semiconductor layer SC3 of the first pixel MP1overlaps the first main part of the first scanning line G1 at twopoints.

The fourth switching element SW4 is a fourth thin film transistor whichincludes a fourth semiconductor layer SC4 and a fourth gate electrodeGE4. The fourth semiconductor layer SC4 includes a tenth electroderegion RE10 connected to a signal line S, eleventh electrode region RE11connected to a conductive layer CL4 (fourth pixel electrode RE4), andtwelfth electrode region RE12 disposed between the tenth electroderegion RE10 and the eleventh electrode region RE11 to overlap thescanning line G. For example, the fourth semiconductor layer SC4 of thefirst pixel MP1 overlaps the first main part of the first scanning lineG1 at two points.

In a plan view where the first scanning line G1 is above and the secondscanning line G2 is below, the third semiconductor layer SC3 (ninthelectrode region RE9) and the fourth semiconductor layer SC4 (twelfthelectrode region RE12) of the first pixel MP1 each cross the firstscanning line G1 and are formed such that a letter U is reversedvertically. In the plan view, the third semiconductor layer SC3 (ninthelectrode region RE9) and the fourth semiconductor layer SC4 (twelfthelectrode region RE12) of the second pixel MP2 each cross the secondscanning line G2 and are formed such as a letter U is reversedvertically.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 6, here, the second electrode region RE2 and thefifth electrode region RE5 are disposed outside the area (first area)surrounded by the first signal line S1, second signal line S2, firstscanning line G1, and second scanning line G2. Note that the conductivelayer CL1 and the conductive layer CL2 are disposed outside the abovearea. Thus, the ratio of area of the first color (blue) region R1 can beincreased.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the semiconductor layer SC isformed of a polycrystalline silicon. However, unlike the presentembodiment, the semiconductor layer SC may be formed of a semiconductorother than a polycrystalline silicon such as an oxide semiconductor.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel ofFIG. 7, taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, thearray substrate AR is formed using a light transmissive first insulatingsubstrate 10 such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate. The arraysubstrate AR includes, for example, an insulating film 11, insulatingfilm 12, insulating film 13, insulating film 14, insulating film 15,first switching element SW1, first scanning line G1, first signal lineS1, first pixel electrode PE1, common electrode CE, and first alignmentfilm AL1. In the figure depicted, the first switching element SW1 has atop gate structure. Note that, unlike the present embodiment, eachswitching element SW may has a bottom gate structure.

The insulating film 11 is formed on the first insulating substrate 10.The first semiconductor layer SC1 of the first switching element SW1 isformed on the insulating film 11. The insulating film 12 is formed onthe insulating film 11 and the first semiconductor layer SC1. The firstscanning line G1 is formed on the insulating film 12. The first gateelectrode GE1 is opposed to the third electrode region RE3.

The insulating film 13 is formed on the first scanning line G1 and theinsulating film 12. The first signal line S1 and the conductive layerCL1 are formed on the insulating film 13. The first signal line S1 is incontact with the first electrode region RE1 of the first semiconductorlayer SC1 through a contact hole passing through the insulating film 12and the insulating film 13. The conductive layer CL1 is in contact withcontacts the second electrode region RE2 of the first semiconductorlayer SC1 through another contact hole passing through the insulatingfilm 12 and the insulating film 13.

The insulating film 14 is formed on the insulating film 13, first signalline S1, and conductive layer CL1. The common electrode CE is formed onthe insulating film 14. The insulating film 15 is formed on theinsulating film 14 and the common electrode CE. Insulative materialsused for the insulating films 11 to 15 are not limited specifically. Forexample, the insulating films 11, 12, 13, and 15 are formed of inorganicmaterials such as silicon nitride (SiN) or silicon oxide (siliconoxide). The insulating film 14 is formed of an organic material such asan acrylic resin.

The first pixel electrode PE1 is formed on the insulating film 15. Thefirst pixel electrode PE1 is in contact with the conductive layer CL1through a contact hole CH1 passing through the insulating film 14 andthe insulating film 15. The common electrode CE and the pixel electrodePE (linear electrode LE) are formed of a conductive material. Forexample, the common electrode CE and the pixel electrode PE are formedof a transparent conductive material such as indium zinc oxide (IZO) orindium tin oxide (ITO). The first alignment film AL1 is formed on theinsulating film 15 and the pixel electrode PE.

The counter substrate CT is formed using a light transmissive secondinsulating substrate 20 such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate.The counter substrate CT includes a light shielding layer SH, colorfilter CF, overcoat layer OC, and second alignment layer AL2. The colorfilter CF includes a plurality of color filters of different colors,shapes, and sizes.

The light shielding layer SH includes a first extension SH1 opposed tothe first signal line S1 and a second extension SH2 opposed to the firstscanning line G1.

The color filters CF1 and CF2 overlap the light shielding layer SH attheir ends. The overcoat layer OC is formed of a transparent resinmaterial and covers color filters CF such as color filters CF1 and CF2.The second alignment film AL2 is formed on the overcoat layer OC in theside opposed to the array substrate AR.

Note that, in the example depicted, the color filter CF is formed on thecounter substrate CT; however, it may be formed on the array substrateAR. Furthermore, in the color filters CF formed, a color filter CF2 maybe omitted.

The liquid crystal display device DSP of the present embodiment isformed as above.

As structured above according to an embodiment, the liquid crystaldisplay device DSP includes the first signal line S1, second signal lineS2 arranged in the first direction d1 to be apart from the first signalline S1, first pixel electrode PE1 disposed between the first signalline S1 and the second signal line S2, and second pixel electrode PE2disposed between the first signal line S1 and the second signal line S2to be adjacent to the first pixel electrode PE1. The first distance D1 abetween the first signal line S1 and the second signal line S2 passingthe center of the first pixel electrode PE1 in the second direction d2is greater than the second distance D2 a between the first signal lineS1 and the second signal line S2 passing the center of the second pixelelectrode PE2 in the second direction d2.

Since the ratio of the area of the first color (blue) region R1 can beincreased, the light transmissivity of the region R1 can be increased,and it helps lower power consumption of the device. When the first widthof the region R1 is increased, the second width of the second color(white) region R2 is prevented from increasing together. The third widthof the third color (red) region R3 and the fourth width of the fourthcolor (green) region R4 are prevented from decreasing. Thus, the liquidcrystal display device DSP in which the widths of subpixels SP arearranged along the signal lines S can be adjusted can be achieved.

Furthermore, as described above, the layout of the first semiconductorlayer SC1, conductive layer CL1, contact hole CH1, second semiconductorlayer SC2, and conductive layer CL2 is adjusted, and contact holethrough which the second pixel electrode PE2 contacts the conductivelayer CL2 is positioned above the conductive layer CL2, and therefore,the length of the region R1 can be increased than the length of theregion R2 in the second direction d2. Thereby, the area of the region R1can be increased while the region R2 can be relatively decreased.

As can be understood from the above, the liquid crystal display deviceDSP in which the size of subpixels SP can be adjusted can be achieved.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the position of the boundary betweenthe extensions and connections may not be matched in the first directiond1 unlike the above embodiment (shown in FIG. 6). Each connectionextends linearly in the second direction d2. The first distance D1 a isgreater than the second distance D2 a (D1 a>D2 a). Here, a distance inthe first direction d1 between signal lines S passing the center of thethird pixel electrode PE3 in the second direction d2 is a third distanceD3 a, and a distance in the first direction d1 between signal lines Spassing the center of the fourth pixel electrode PE4 in the seconddirection d2 is a fourth distance D4 a. As long as the first distance D1a is greater than the second distance D2 a, the relationship between thegaps D1 a to D4 a is not limited specifically. Note that, in thevariation shown in FIG. 9, the relationship is D3 a<D4 a<D2 a<D1 a.

Furthermore, a pitch in the first direction d1 between signal lines Spassing the center of the pixel electrode PE in the second direction d2is different from a pitch in the first direction d1 between signal linesS in an area overlapping scanning lines G. Here, distances in the firstdirection d1 between signal lines S in the area overlapping the scanninglines G are a fifth distance D1 b, sixth distance D2 b, seventh distanceD3 b, eighth distance D3 c, ninth distance D4 b, and tenth distance D4c. For example, the fifth distance D1 b is a distance between the signallines S in the area overlapping the scanning lines G below the firstpixel electrode PE1. Furthermore, the sixth distance D2 b is a distancebetween the signal lines S in the area overlapping the scanning lines Gbelow the second pixel electrode PE2.

The relationship between the fifth to tenth distances D1 b to D4 c arenot limited specifically. Note that, in this variation, D3 c<D4 b<D3b<D4 c<D1 b=D2 b. Furthermore, D3 a=D3 b and D4 a=D4 c.

As described above, the first distance D1 a is greater than the seconddistance D2 a in the variation, and thus, the above advantages can beachieved as well.

The first direction d1 and the second direction d2 are not limited tothe above embodiments and may be varied arbitrarily. For example, in aplan view of FIG. 3, the first direction d1 may go left and the seconddirection d2 may go up.

The liquid crystal display panel PNL of the above embodimentscorresponds to an FFS mode which is one of in-plane switching (IPS)modes using a horizontal field for image display; however, it maycorrespond to other display modes. For example, an ordinary IPS mode inwhich the array substrate AR includes both linear pixel electrodes PEand linear common electrode CE, or a mode where the array substrate ARincludes linear or flat surface pixel electrodes PE and the countersubstrate CT includes the common electrode CE can be adopted.

The above embodiments can be applied to not only a liquid crystaldisplay device but also other display devices such as an organicelectroluminescent display device. The above embodiments can be appliedto any size of display device including small to medium display devicesand large display devices.

1-13. (canceled) 14: A display device comprising: signal lines arrangedin a first direction; scanning lines arranged in a second directionwhich crosses the first direction; a first pixel electrode; a secondpixel electrode disposed adjacent to the first pixel electrode in thesecond direction; and a light shielding layer including a first openingarea and a second opening area; wherein the signal lines include a firstsignal line and a second signal line, the scanning lines include a firstscanning line, a second scanning line, and a third scanning line, thefirst opening area is inside of an area surrounded by the first signalline, the first scanning line, the second signal line, and the secondscanning line, the second opening area is inside of an area surroundedby the first signal line, the second scanning line, the second signalline, and the third scanning line, the first pixel electrode overlapswith the first opening area, and the second pixel electrode overlapswith the second opening area, wherein the first opening area is anopening area which is longer in a third direction, the third directionis a direction inclined at an acute angle in a first rotation directionwith respect to the second direction, the second opening area is anopening area which is longer in a fourth direction, and the fourthdirection is a direction inclined at an acute angle in a second rotationdirection which is counter to the first rotation direction with respectto the second direction, wherein the first signal line includes a firstpart, a second part, and a third part, the first part extends in thethird direction along the first opening area, the second part extends inthe fourth direction, the third part extends in the second direction, afirst end of the second part is connected with the first part at a firstbend position, a second end of the second pan is connected with thethird part at a second bend position, and the first bend position iscloser to the second scanning line between the first scanning line andthe second scanning line, in planar view. 15: The display device ofclaim 14, wherein the first signal line includes a fourth part, thefourth part extends in the fourth direction along the second openingarea, a first end of the third part is connected with the second end ofthe second part at the second bend position, a second end of the thirdpart is connected with the fourth part at a third bend position, and thethird bend position is closer to the second scanning line between thesecond scanning line and the third scanning line, in planar view. 16:The display device of claim 15, wherein a degree of an acute angle ofthe second part is different from a degree of an acute angle of thefourth part. 17: The display device of claim 16, wherein the third partintersects with the second scanning line, a distance between the firstbend position and the second scanning line in the second direction isdifferent from a distance between the third bend position and the secondscanning line in the second direction. 18: The display device of claim14, wherein the first signal line includes a fifth part, the fifth partextends in the second direction and intersects with the first scanningline, a first end of the first part is connected with the fifth part ata fourth bend position, a second end of the first part is connected withthe first end of the second part at the first bend position, and thefourth bend position is closer to the first scanning line between thefirst scanning line and the second scanning line. 19: The display deviceof claim 18, wherein a length of the third part in the second directionis different from a length of the fifth part in the second direction.20: The display device of claim 15, wherein the first signal lineincludes a fifth part, the fifth part extends in the second directionand intersects with the first scanning line, a first end of the firstpart is connected with the fifth part at a fourth bend position, asecond end of the first part is connected with the first end of thesecond part at the first bend position, and the fourth bend position iscloser to the first scanning line between the first scanning line andthe second scanning line. 21: The display device of claim 20, wherein alength of the third part in the second direction is different from alength of the fifth part in the second direction. 22: The display deviceof claim 21, further comprising: a first semiconductor; and a secondsemiconductor, wherein a first end of the first semiconductor isconnected with the first pixel electrode at a first contact position, asecond end of the first semiconductor is connected with the secondsignal line at a second contact position, a first end of the secondsemiconductor is connected with the second pixel electrode at a thirdcontact position, a second end of the second semiconductor is connectedwith the second signal line at the fourth contact position, and thesecond contact position and the fourth contact position are locatedbetween the first scanning line and the second scanning line, in planarview. 23: The display device of claim 22, wherein the first scanningline includes a first main line and a first branch overlapping with thefirst semiconductor, the second scanning line includes a second mainline and a second branch overlapping with the second semiconductor, thesecond scanning line is between the first scanning line and the thirdscanning line in the second direction, the first scanning line islocated at a first side of the second direction of second scanning line,the third scanning line is located at a second side of the seconddirection of the second scanning line, the first branch and the secondbranch are located outside of an area between the first main line andthe second main line, the first branch extends in the first side of thesecond direction, the second branch extends in the second side of thesecond direction, the first contact portion is between the first branchand the fifth part of the first scanning line, and the third contactposition is between the second branch and the third part of the firstscanning line.